I don't own digimon.

Character: Rei/Astra

Universe: Applimonsters

Notes:

This was supposed to be something different, but I like how this turned out.

Chapter 50

Into his eyes

Rei took a deep breath.

Every time their eyes met, he was reminded of Hajime. It was the sort of feeling he both dreaded and admired.

He was currently on fifty eighth video of the boy, which was the apptuber singing some song from one of the precure shows. It was probably Condition of being a princess or Sparkling Vows. Though, the question remained. How exactly would he play it?

"Today, I'll be playing Important Treasure from Dokidoki Precure using just my voice and a bunch of modelling balloons I bought from the local 100 yen store."

"You're still watching that?" Hackmon remarked and got a glare from his applidriver. "This is worse than time you binged through Go! Princess Precure."
Hackmon moved his gaze slightly downwards, noticing a pink dog plush in Rei's lap. He wanted to tear that stupid thing up, but realized that was not the best option in this situation.

"Be nice to Puff." Rei remarked and stared towards the dragon cat thing, only to get up and grab his messenger bag. "We're going out."
Hackmon gave him a confused glance, unsure of how to answer to his master's request. Yet, he still got into the bag.

Two train rides and a bus later, the duo found themselves standing before a large temple. It stuck out like a sore thumb, especially among the modern skyscrapers around it. Yet, that brought a sort of unique charm to the place.

"Is anyone there?" Rei inquired as he knocked upon the large wooden door. "Hello?"

It took a couple of minutes to get a response back. Even then, it had came from Musimon.

"Oh hi, Rei!" the music appmon greeted and partially opened the door. "What do you need?"

"I came to see your master." Rei answered and took a deep breath. "Is he here at the moment?"

"Of course!" Musimon shouted and swung the door open just enough for the hacker to head through.

Of what the hacker had seen of Astra's home in his videos, seeing it in person was something else. There was a sense of warmth and kindness within, unlike the 'bunker' he holed himself up in.

"What do you think, Hackmon?" he whispered and opened his bag up, releasing his appmon in the process.

"It's alright." Hackmon answered as the two were led to Astra's room by Musimon. "Rather be in the dark net right now."

Rei gave him a quick glance, only to focus it on the door. Inside, was the boy in question. There was no turning back after coming this far.

He pulled the door open, revealing Astra.

"Oh hi, Rei!" the boy greeted as Rei stared towards him. In person, Astra reminded him of Hajime more. Maybe it was in outfit, or perhaps the look of wonder in his face.

"Hi, uh…" the hacker started, unsure of what to really call the apptuber.

"Torajiro." Astra explained and stood up. "Let me get you some tea."

With that, he left the room, only to come back with a pair of mugs containing some sort of steaming hot liquid.

"So, how are you?" Rei inquired as Astra handed him the mug and sat down.

"Pretty good, actually." the apptuber explained and took a sip. "How about you?"

"Alright. Doing well in school?"

"If I wasn't, I doubt my dad would let me do apptube any other way." Astra took another sip as Rei did the same. "How about you?"

The hacker took a deep breath and sighed, possibly debating what he should even say. Should he tell the truth, risking any credibility amid the group? Or should he just lie and hope for the best.

"I dropped out when my parents died to take care of Hajime."

Silence filled the air as Astra stared towards the boy.

"I can understand that." the apptuber whispered and grabbed hold of Rei's hand. "Want to help with me latest video?"

"Of course."

For as much as he was reminded of Hajime every time he looked into those eyes, he could look past that fact.

Notes:

If you know who voices Astra, the stuff related to Puff and some of the other references make more sense.

A 99 yen store is the Japanese equivalent of a dollar store in America. They also don't sell actual balloons, just the modeling ones.

While not technically the 50th chapter, it'll do nicely. Should have the next tri abridged trailer up in a day or two.